THE latest labour market figures show that employment is up, unemployment is down and the numbers on benefits are falling.

Because of the Government reforms to the welfare state, more people have been looking for work and more people are taking up jobs. Lone parents, older workers and Incapacity Benefit claimants are now getting the chance to work and contribute.

Growing up in York, I can remember seeing images on the TV news of people marching to protest about mass unemployment. That would be unheard of now.

The UK already has the highest employment rate of the G8. Surely even the Lib Dems and Tories would agree this is quite an achievement?

Coun Paul Blanchard (Labour) Chaucer Lane, York